By Mediamec 
Amapiano powerhouse duo TxC, made up of Tarryn Reid and Clairise Hefke, has earned a major career milestone—being nominated for the “Best New International Act” at the upcoming BET Awards 2025.
This recognition marks a groundbreaking moment for the duo, as they become the first DJ duo ever nominated in this category. The awards ceremony, set to take place on June 9, also includes fellow South African nominees Tyla, Maglera Doe Boy, and Dlala Thukzin, highlighting the country’s growing global influence in music.
“Being the first duos to be nominated feels like we’re breaking new grounds. Not just for ourselves, but for everyone who’s ever felt like they’ve had to fit into a box to succeed.”
– Clairise Hefke“It shows that it is possible. I didn’t think last year that we would be at the BET Awards this year. It’s a surreal feeling.”
TxC’s nomination is a testament to their rapid rise in the amapiano scene and their ability to stand out in a music industry that often favors solo acts.
“To see the growth and how far we’ve come as the first female DJ duo in Africa to be nominated—it’s a crazy experience,” Hefke added.
Longtime friends since childhood, Reid and Hefke attribute their success to the strength of their bond. Their relationship, they say, is the foundation of their collaboration and the key to surviving as a duo in an industry that often sees groups fall apart.
“We’ve been in each other’s lives for most of our lives, even before becoming what we are today. Getting to know each other personally first is what saves what we have today.”
– Tarryn Reid“The goal is always the same. The work ethic is always the same. We’re always on the same page. And with duos, you can’t compete with each other, because then that means your goal is not the same.”
“As long as you allow yourselves to be yourselves and not try to overpower, over-be, or overdo. We also tend to keep it very real.”
Reid also opened up about why many duos don’t last in the industry.
“I feel like most duos don’t make it far because, you know, the one starts wanting to be better than the other one. The one feels like they’re getting underpaid or overpaid.”
“But if everything is the same and the communication is there within that group, I don’t think anything bad should happen. I think it should only be growth from there.”
Beyond music, TxC is also celebrated for their bold fashion sense, often turning heads at events and festivals. Despite being a duo, outfit planning isn’t a point of friction for the pair—instead, it’s a shared creative process.
“We sit down and talk about what looks we want to rock and share ideas on how we want to feel and look,” Hefke explained.
“Because we also don’t want to just look like everyone else. We always try to look different. It depends on the event, the party, and we try to relate our fashion to whatever we’re attending.”
For the upcoming BET Awards red carpet, the duo plans to work with local designers and stylists, blending their roots with international flair.
With two albums under their belt, collaborations with global stars like Davido, and high-profile performances—including at the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar—TxC is already shaping up to be one of South Africa’s most influential musical exports.
As the pressure of global recognition mounts, the duo remains grounded—and even inspired by the weight of their success.
“I don’t look at pressure as something negative or a problem. I look at it as a win,” said Hefke.
“I feel like pressure is always a sign that you’re doing something. God wants you to do more. He puts pressure in front of you so that you can actually do your best.”